ourselves + others: african feminist re-CREATIONS at SOAS

SOAS university of london

november 25, 2017

Does the Africa you know - the clothes, food, ideas, music, and culture - not match the continent you see represented in academia, the media, and elsewhere? Do you look around your university or workplace and wonder where you’re represented? Do you know the danger of a single story?

A new contemporary African arts festival is here to change the narrative. Step inside

For us, nego-feminism is about challenging monolithic views of Africa, resisting right-wing politics, and empowering black communities. ourselves + others will transform SOAS into a space where we put this ethos into practice through art and conversations, all while centering women and nonbinary artists of African ascent.

Why are we doing this?

Because we believe Africa deserves diverse, positive, and contemporary representation. Because we want more spaces where African artists and communities can come together and experience each other’s creative labor, questions, and expression. Because we want to share the latest critical thought on contemporary African arts and culture, and also offer you a really good time.

If you help us reach our goal, we promise to serve up a festival to remember. If it’s a hit, we’ll have the chance to bring this kind of event to SOAS - and maybe another London space near you - year after year.

Creative Market. Both a fair and exhibition, Creative Market will present conceptual installations by London’s black and African platforms. Experience the brands you follow on Insta in 4D, chat about making space for black and African culture, and find inspiration for your own creative route. Featuring special guest
Roundtable Journal

Workshop. Hosted by African literature aficionados
Afrikult.,
this contemporary literature session will present new theory on female poets and authors currently working in London through interactive activities, artist talks, and performances

Concert. The esteemed Brunei Lecture Theatre - where the likes of Wole Soyinka have taken the stage - will transform into concert hall, serving up vibey, show-stopping, and party-starting acts plus Q&A sessions with the artists. Featuring sound artist
Xana
and more acts TBA

Afterparty. Embracing the nego-feminist practice of acting for “ourselves and others,” the festival will partner with a local black-oriented club night to provide a space for embodied participation in contemporary African and diasporic music